Alleged Trusted Insider Network Charged Over Major Drug Import Plots in Sydney

A Sydney man accused of coordinating a trusted insider network linked to multiple large-scale drug importation attempts has been charged by the Multi Agency Strike Team (MAST).

The 29-year-old appeared before Liverpool Local Court on 22 May 2026 after being refused police bail.

According to the Australian Federal Police and the New South Wales Police Force, the man allegedly directed a criminal syndicate involving workers inside Port Botany to facilitate the importation of commercial quantities of cocaine and other illicit drugs into Australia.

Strike Force Investigation

The investigation, known as Strike Force Paiporta, was launched in April 2025 by MAST, a multi-agency taskforce targeting organised crime groups using trusted insiders within Australia’s supply chain and cargo ports.

Investigators allege the accused coordinated insiders using encrypted communication applications and paid workers up to $200,000 in cash depending on their roles.

Authorities claim the network was involved in several major drug importation attempts, including:

• 20kg of cocaine concealed in a shipment labelled “mixed berries” from Chile in February 2025;
• 140kg of cocaine hidden in a refrigerated flower consignment from Colombia in April 2025;
• More than 120kg of illicit drugs hidden beneath container floorboards from Jamaica in June 2025;
• 58kg of cocaine concealed inside bags within a shipping container from Chile in August 2025;
• 506kg of cocaine hidden behind a false wall in a shipment from Europe in August 2025; and
• More than 35kg of cocaine hidden inside a motor housing container from South America in October 2025.

Police allege the accused coordinated the failed 506kg cocaine importation while located in Victoria.

International Links

Australian authorities said the 58kg cocaine plot from Chile was also investigated by Chilean police, with six people arrested overseas in connection with the alleged operation.

The MAST is continuing to work with European law enforcement agencies to identify additional people allegedly involved in the syndicate.

Searches and Seizures

Search warrants executed in Holsworthy, North Parramatta and St Marys on 19 May 2026 resulted in the seizure of:

• Electronic devices;
• High-value jewellery;
• A cryptocurrency ledger;
• A security swipe card; and
• Two vehicles.

Charges

The man faces multiple Commonwealth offences, including:

• Attempting to possess a commercial quantity of cocaine;
• Possessing unlawfully imported border-controlled drugs;
• Dealing with proceeds of crime; and
• Failing to comply with a court order.

If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Police Statement

AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty said trusted insider networks remained a major target for law enforcement agencies.

“The AFP and its MAST partners have successfully disrupted a trusted insider network and will continue to pursue those who enable the flow of harmful drugs into our community,” he said.

NSW Police Detective Superintendent John Watson said the operation highlighted the strength of cooperation between agencies combating organised crime.

Investigations remain ongoing, and police have not ruled out further arrests or charges.

Source:  joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and NSW Police Force